They say you can't choose family, but many do. Tell us about your chosen families For some people, family isn't who they're related to, it's about who they've chosen to be in their lives.

They say you can't choose family, but many do. Tell us about your chosen families

For many people, friendships and community bonds are stronger than they are with blood relatives. Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images hide caption

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Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

For many people, friendships and community bonds are stronger than they are with blood relatives.

Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

This is the time of the year when people are getting together with their families for the holidays.

But not everyone has a "traditional" family unit.

Some people have lost their families. Some people are estranged from their families because of tension over differences in politics, religion, or sexual orientation and gender identity. And some people just really aren't that close with their family.

Despite that, people often create deep connections and bonds with friends or members of their community, forming a "chosen family" with people who might have experienced something similar.

If you are someone who will be celebrating the holiday season with your chosen family, NPR's Consider This podcast love to hear more.

A producer may reach out to you for an upcoming episode.

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